Singapore GP FP1 insights: Ferrari SF-25 evaluates baseline setup at Marina Bay. Ferrari begins Singapore GP FP1 by testing the SF-25 on baseline setup.

Formula 1 returns to the track for the Singapore Grand Prix, and Ferrari is determined to bounce back after a disappointing performance in Baku, where Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished eighth and ninth respectively. The Scuderia from Maranello also lost second place in the Constructors’ Championship to Mercedes, who secured a podium in Azerbaijan with George Russell and fourth place with Kimi Antonelli.

SF-25 tests baseline setup with hard tires

Both Ferraris hit the track immediately without wasting time. For the first stint, the drivers opted for hard tires, running several laps at a consistent pace to gather data on resistance with DRS closed. Hamilton completed his lap first and, despite a still-slippery track, received praise over the radio from engineer Riccardo Adami.

Leclerc appeared more cautious during his opening lap, managing his tires carefully. Early feedback on the car’s behavior emerged during the cooldown lap. The drivers’ impressions were compared with simulation data used to define the baseline setup, highlighting some difficulty in hitting the apex of corners decisively.

On the second attempt, both drivers improved their times, but Hamilton demonstrated greater confidence in the car’s technical package. Leclerc struggled particularly with traction, experiencing less stability exiting corners than his teammate. However, the number 16 car’s front end proved more precise and linear through direction changes, likely reflecting differences in the mechanical setup between the two cars.

As laps progressed, Leclerc found his rhythm and began closing in on Hamilton’s pace. In some sections, though, the front end felt overly aggressive, requiring him to adjust his corner entries. Overall, with hard tires, the SF-25 showed a balanced baseline, while still needing targeted handling refinements. The car gave encouraging signs, but work remained clearly necessary.

The most challenging corners for Ferrari compared to McLaren were turns 7, 9, and 18, as frequently noted over the radio by engineer Bryan Bozzi. Hamilton also received guidance from Adami, being urged to enter turn 9 more decisively. After a few additional laps, both cars returned to the pits. Ferrari saw interesting potential to further develop through setup adjustments.

Ferrari evaluates soft tires

During the second stint, the drivers switched to Pirelli Softs, choosing the C5 compound instead of C6 to prevent excessive overheating. Once the tires reached the optimal temperature window, the drivers began flying laps. Leclerc completed a solid lap, while Hamilton had to slow down in sector three due to significant oversteer, likely caused by an overheated rear.

Beyond balance, the session highlighted how performance is heavily dependent on tire management. Finding the ideal timing for a flying lap is critical. When this window is missed, setup behavior changes, and the car loses stability. This remains the SF-25’s Achilles’ heel, struggling more than others to keep tires within the correct operating range throughout a lap.

Hamilton improved later but remained slightly behind his teammate’s benchmark. He encountered difficulties in some corners in sector two, and in sector three the car felt unstable, especially on the curbs. Meanwhile, Leclerc initially posted better sector times, but an error forced him to lift off. Shortly after, he returned to the pits to review telemetry with the engineers.

Hamilton also returned to the garage for adjustments to his front wing before heading back out. Up to that point, he had not completed a clean lap due to minor mistakes and traffic. On his next run, he focused on tire warm-up and pushed hard. His pace improved, finishing roughly one and a half tenths behind Leclerc, benefiting from optimal tire temperatures in the final sector.

The car’s behavior was closely tied to tire management, including how the tires heat up and cool down during a lap. A pronounced understeer, typical of Ferrari, required frequent steering corrections to hit the apex. In some cases, this understeer transitioned into oversteer on corner exit. Initially, the rear provided good traction for effective power delivery, but over the laps, oversteer developed in several sections due to rear tire overheating. Both drivers experienced significant rear tire degradation, leading them to end their runs and return to the pits.

SF-25 shows convincing balance

In the final session phase, the team carried out a traditional fuel load simulation. Both Leclerc and Hamilton ran on Soft tires and completed the planned program. The number 16 SF-25 completed five laps, though times were not fully representative due to changing conditions, despite showing potential to outperform Red Bull. More reliable data will come from the second practice session, which better reflects race conditions.

Overall, the car’s balance appears convincing, with no significant issues reported over the radio. Traction is stable, with minor understeer on corner entry. The team confirmed two priorities: optimizing the setup and mastering tire management throughout the lap to maximize performance.